IT WAS the sound of bagpipes rather than sirens that drew thousands of people to Eureka Stadium on Sunday.

The Australian and South Pacific Pipe Band Championships drew in an international crowd but event director Laura LeMarshall said it was the Ballarat community who had turned out in big numbers this year.

"It has been pretty successful, we have had lots of people from overseas and as well as people through all the states," she said.

The day was one part of a Scottish weekend for Ballarat, with the Ballarat Whiskey Experience held on Friday and Old Lange Syne exhibition was opened during the week at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

A gold coin donation was required to attend the championships with all proceeds heading to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

Ms LeMarshall said almost $4000 was donated on Saturday.

The event was also held in Ballarat in 2012.

"We had more bands last time because it was on the Easter weekend, however, this time it has been a huge success as well because a lot more local people have come," she said.

"Last time a lot of people went away on the weekend so this time a lot more of the Ballarat community have come."

Thirty-two bands competed throughout the day.

"The stall holders have also been great with all Scottish and Celtic flair," Ms LeMarshall said

"We have a lot of clans so if you are of Scottish heritage you can go up there and can find out where your clan was from and the area they were from in Scotland."

While an official number of attendees was unknown yesterday Ms LeMarshall said she believed more than 4000 had attended Sunday's event with almost 3000 attending on Saturday.

Saturday's festivities included a morning street march of Sturt Street's Town Hall block.